Always Remember Him

In Remembrance of Me by Greg Olsen 

I had the amazing opportunity to speak in Sacrament in Church last Sunday. It is sure to be one I will always remember. I had a few people ask to read my talk because they could not attend so I figured I would just share with all of you. The beauty of this talk is not matter your religion, as long as you believe in Christ, this talk can apply to you. We all can use ways to remember our Great Redeemer, Jesus Christ. While some beliefs may differ, our love for HIM is the same. 
We apologize for our two heavy posts right in a row, but this blog is our lives as we live it, and these are the things that apply to the now. 

-Always Remember Him-

By: Sheena LaRose

One of the perks of being neighbors with the bishop is he will always know whether or not you will be in town to speak on Sunday's. 

No, in all honesty I owe a sincere thank you to whomever was inspired to have me speak on this day, on this topic. I didn't realize how much I needed it until someone acted upon a prompting to tell me. 

This seems to be the case often in my life. 

It was a Sunday, I was sitting by the Canovas and sacrament was being passed. I leaned over to mention something to Cassidy and Susan was quick to hush us. "Don't talk during Sacrament she said". If my daughter is like a little sister to you, that makes me like a Mother.” I love you Suz! I wouldn't wish you any other way! 

I know that Sacrament is a time of reverence but I didn't know that while the bread and water were being administered it is a time of silence. Or did I? 

As I ponder my days of a new member I believe I did know this. My first year as a new member I would spend those moments while waiting for the bread and water, praying to my Heavenly Father. I would give thanks for my weekly blessings and also ask for forgiveness for any wrongdoings that may have occurred. For the record, I have never been taught or told that taking that time to think of him or to pray was custom. I believe I was in a more humble state than I am now, that is apparent to me now and in preparing this talk and coming to that realization was somewhat of a hard pill to swallow. I am reminded of how I truly should spend that time in waiting. 

Granted I was a 20 year old with no one to bother me during sacrament but a sweet old man that sat next to me every Sunday. If I am being realistic here, children make it a little more difficult to spend that time the way I prefer, but I know my Heavenly Father will still hear my prayers and humility whether I am 100% reverently praying or praying with one eye open and one arm folded while the other keeps a child from running up and down the isles or bothering his or her siblings... Or the people in a 10 ft radius of us for that matter. I'm just being honest here. 

A little bit ago you heard me mention being a new member. This December marked my 9 year anniversary of my baptism. It wasn't until this week that I had the realization that I am not a new member anymore. I'm am not simply, but most complexly, a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I realized that up until now I have been playing the new member card as a crutch. An excuse for my lack of knowledge. As a scape goat if I got something wrong. It's unfortunate that it took so long for me to come to this realization, but also an accomplishment that I did. I have the same credibility as any other member, as long as I am studying and growing. It's a wonderful and scary realization. For with that confidence comes accountability. Instead of asking questions all the time to other members, I can do the research myself and go straight to the source. My Heavenly Father and the scriptures. That way it becomes my interpretation and in turn strengthens not only my knowledge but my testimony as the truth that is manifested unto me. 

Picture if you will a scene. On screen you see the most beautiful of images and a voice that we recognize well speaks:

"The hours that lay immediately ahead would change the meaning of all human history. It would be the crowning moment of eternity, the most miraculous of all the miracles. It would be the supreme contribution to a plan designed from before the foundation of the world for the happiness of every man, woman, and child who would ever live in it. The hour of atoning sacrifice had come. God’s own Son, his Only Begotten Son in the flesh, was about to become the Savior of the world.

“This Do in Remembrance of Me” 

Elder holland of the 1995 October general conference 

I was given this conference talk as a reference and it, like all conference talks, has wonderful content. You will here me refer to bits and pieces of this talk throughout mine. 

The setting is Jerusalem. A feast is to be had 

What would become Jesus' last Passover. Where he sat among his most loyal and broke bread to symbolize his body. A bruised and Beaten body. A broken heart. “This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me” (Luke 22:19)

and drank to symbolize his blood. Sweat that was like blood from every pore. Blood of a paid debt for all mankind. 

"This cup is the New Testament in my blood, which is shed for you." (Luke 22:20)

We can remember him in many ways. Not just by thinking of HIM, but also of those who heavily impacted his mortal life. 

The talk that Sister Wallace gave on Christmas about his mother Mary. What it must have been like for her. A woman who was probably in the age range of you girls in Young Women. Can you imagine being so young and holding that type of responsibility? Granted she did not know at the time, but can you imagine what she felt the moment she realized not only who but what her son was?

We could remember his magnificent but virtually unknown foster father, a humble carpenter by trade who taught us, among other things, that quiet, plain, unpretentious people have moved this majestic work forward from the very beginning, and still do so today. If you are serving almost anonymously, please know that so, too, did one of the best men who has ever lived on this earth.

We could remember that Christ called his disciples friends. Judas undoubtedly forsakes him and how did he respond to such a betrayal? But Christ knew of a bigger plan. Rather than feeling sorrow for his own life, he probably felt for Judas and the guilt he would feel that would prove to be too much and ultimately end his life. We would do good to remember that in our daily encounters . What does it mean when we say to be Christlike? Speaking of our dealings with friends and acquaintances. Sure we should be kind, compassionate, loving, all of those Christlike attributes we most commonly refer to, but what type of friend was Jesus really? Let us think back again to HIS last Passover while he broke bread and drank with his disciples whom he called friends all knowingly that some would betray and deny him. Nevertheless, he loved them so and prayed for them. Atoned for them. 

In our daily dealings when we are speaking with people we need to think to ourselves ...you know it's one thing to be Christlike, but being literal in the sense. Do you think that when that day comes when we finally meet our Savior he's going to set us down and say to us my child I have had the worst time waiting up here I mean I had to give my life, I've been fighting this never-ending battle with you know who and I've done it all with headache. The answer to that brothers and sisters is no. I believe wholeheartedly that he will open his arms, embrace us and say my child how art thou? I love thee, I've missed thee. Sometimes we need to listen and be still. We should remember this in times like visiting and home teachings. 

Picture yourself sitting among Christs disciples as they await in the garden of Gethsemane. Christ asks you to wait and watch while he prays. A miracle is about to take place. Christ will atone for all sins and it will be undoubtedly one of the most spiritual experiences you will witness. Christ goes to pray but stays in close proximity, he comes back and finds you asleep. Christ asks you with Indignation, 'What, could Ye not watch with me one hour?" 

Peter speaks up with complete exhaustion and says" The spirit indeed is wiling, but the flesh is weak". (Matthew 26:40-41)

Because you could not stay awake for just one hour you just missed one of the greatest miracles to take place. 

How's that for a slice of humble pie? I too have felt similar to Peter's words this past year. My spirit wiling to go to church, but because I was just too tired to wake up early enough to have my family ready and on time, I was weak and most definitely missed out on miracles, or blessings if you will. In fact those of you who know me have probably heard me express my excitement for 1 o'clock church. I have been missing the point. I believe he asks that again of us, to stay with him, to watch, every Sabbath day when the emblems of his life are broken and blessed and passed. While we renew the beautiful covenants that we made on our day of Baptism. It is a miracle that we have this ability week after week.

In all there is to remember of Christ there is simply not enough time to remember everything about the man we call Savior in one hour. It's a good thing that there is always going to be sacrament given on Sunday, in this building, in every Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, even in hospitals, and that gives us at least one chance a week to always remember him. 

I believe it is important that we treat each sacrament sacred and a security of redemption. For, unlike Christ, We do not know when our last Passover will be.

In closing, although I focused on remembering him during Sacrament, these thoughts of our Savior should be implemented daily. Our lives will be richly blessed as we think of him often. I testify that this is true. As I studied our Savior every day since I received word of the topic of my talk. I feel closer to Christ more than ever because I know him better. Simply because I chose to remember him. I studied him and not just stories of him. I pondered him. I thought of what it would be like if I were present. Just like in any book, if you allow yourself, you can live as they live it. This too is so with the scriptures. You can feel as if you were right there along with them. With HIM.  I propose a challenge that if it not already a part of your daily routine, that you take the time to get to know our Savior. As you always remember him, his spirit will be with you. I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

XoXo, 

Sheena

#SHAREtheGIFT // My Conversion Story

December 10th marks the 9th Anniversary of my Baptismal Covenants in to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

This is my story as told straight from the pages of my personal Journal. 

Growing up I was not raised belonging to one singular faith. I remember having a Precious Moments Bible and occasionally attending church with the neighbors across the street. My Father never spoke of anything religious and my Mother was spiritual, but I wouldn't say religious. I would talk to God sometimes. Most of the time I really didn't know who I was speaking to, but I would find myself in prayer-like situations. Sometimes I would get annoyed by people strong in their faiths. What do you mean "don't take the Lord's name in vain?", I would think. The "G" words was a frequent term in my home. It bothered me when people told me not to say it. It didn't mean anything to me. I didn't understand the respect that surrounded that word. In time I began to look into different religions and attend different churches. Some of them I felt were weird, some of them freaked me out, and some of them made me feel like I needed to get the heck out of there. Nothing was feeling "right". Sub-consciencly I always new I wanted God in my life, but it wasn't until I was surrounded by a religious culture that it was brought to the forefront. I had no idea how much I needed "HIM".

My Mother, Father, and Me August 1992

My Awareness of the Mormon religion started when I moved to Utah in February of 2000. Although, my interest didn't really peak until 2002. It was the time when dating was more frequent and I was getting more exposure through the families of my boyfriends. Some good and some bad. Unfortunately it was common for boys parents to not approve of me because I was not a member. 
I started dating one particular boy and his testimony was  very strong. he was not perfect by any means, but his love for his faith was evident. One night we were sitting in his car in the driveway of his home talking about religion. I had my own beliefs, but none of them were really taught in any church I had come across. He began to tell me about some of their beliefs such as the different kingdoms, the pre-existance, and matters of the Spirit. This was the first time I had heard familiarity to what I had grown up knowing to be true. In the midst of our conversation, I was overwhelmed with a feeling of warmth, comfort, and truth. I began to sob as for the first time in my life I recognized the feeling of the Spirit. I felt my Saviors love. 
We eventually stopped dating and the memories of how I felt that night went with him. I stopped inquiring.
Soon I found myself surrounded by negativity towards the LDS church. People were expressing their opinions and whether true or not, I began to believe them. I wouldn't say I lost my interest in the church, but I for sure had lost my faith.
In January of 2004 I found myself in another relationship with a church member. His family was devout and I started to feel that burning desire once again. His testimony wasn't as evident but his family attended church every Sunday. I soon found myself attending along with them. I was struggling with the teachings I was receiving because the boy I loved was attending but not living it. I didn't understand why he was going but not necessarily living lit and it made me uncomfortable attending his church. It didn't make sense. It was then I started to feel the pressure of being a non-member and dating a "member". Words were exchanged between his parents and I that left me with a hardened heart. All my interests in the church, or any religion, had been for myself. It was at that point I started to wonder if I really wanted to be a part of the church, or if I just wanted to feel accepted. My interest in Missionary discussions was always met with this reply "It has to be for you Sheena, not for him". So with that, discussions were never offered. I realize I could have set them up myself, but I wasn't in a place to make that sort of jump on my own. I needed support. 
Time passed and so did my relationship with this boy. Our road had split so he went his way and I went mine. 

I was no angel. Let's just lay that out on the table. I had experienced some unfortunate family circumstances that left me with little to no self esteem or morals. It was around October of 2005 that that lifestyle began to take its tole one me. I didn't want it. I had seen enough in my family's history to know exactly where I would end up if I didn't make a change. 

Let me give you a little back story. 
In 9th grade I had dated a boy, Kyle. We were good friends but for some heartbreaking reason we broke up. Can you believe that? Three months of our life completely wasted! After all, 9th grade relationships are serious. After we broke up we stopped being friends. We attended the same school for 4 years and I never remembered seeing him. I do remember being extremely annoyed with his existence though. 

Kyle and I in Jr. High. We both were suffering from braces and bleach 

Jumping forward to October of 2005. One night while hanging out at a friend's house I was informed that Kyle was coming over. (We had the same group of friends all throughout high school and we STILL never saw each other. We were now 20 yrs old)) I was bugged to say the least. "Why is HE coming over?" I exclaimed. That kid is soo annoying." My objections were ignored and I found myself sitting across the dining room from this EX of mine while he just sat there and ate vanilla bean ice cream like it was nothing. NOTHING. He noticed I was staring and held up his pint of frozen goodness and said, "Umm, do you want some?" "uh, no thanks." I quickly said and kicked myself for being so obvious. My thoughts quickly faded back to our 14 year old selves and I began to wonder what happened. I couldn't even remember why we broke up. Why do I hate this kid so much? It was 9th grade Sheena! Get over yourself! After I did just that, all the animosity I had for him dissipated. I instantly saw him in a different light and he was beautiful. In a matter of minutes I went from being extremely put off by him to extremely attracted. 

Later that week we had a late night with our friends watching movies at Kyle's parents house. We had all talked about going to Denny's afterwards to eat. Back then Denny's was where it was at! By the time the movie was over people were tired and wanted to just go home. Everyone but Kyle and I. We did all but beg our friends to come. We quickly realized that if we were going to go to Denny's, it would be just the two of us. Something that hasn't happened in 6 years. Just he and I. Alone. In the most awkward car ride in the history of ever, we made our way to the restaurant. It was so uncomfortable. We sat across from each other in a booth and the as we began to converse the awkwardness began to fade. Like in most conversations about life, the topic of religion came up. I knew he was LDS but he had been going through a rough spot. As he spoke of his faith, no matter his transgressions, there was a light that was impossible to deny in his eyes. His testimony was all but shining through his body. I could feel it clear across the table. Something I hadn't felt in a long time. He spoke of his goals and where he saw himself headed in life. I found myself longing to to be headed there with him. I wanted what he wanted and I wanted it with him. I didn't know how or when, but I knew that he and I were meant for each other. That was was when right then and there, he popped the question.
"Do you want to take missionary discussions?" he asked.
I had been waiting for what was literally my whole life to hear those words. "Yes" I exhaled. 
In a matter of days he had my discussions set up to take place at his home. November 13, 2005. 

I believe it was the Spirit who told me to let go of those feelings I was harboring because Kyle was my time and place. Everyone has a time and place where they are ready to accept Christ in their lives. He was it. My life was about to be turned right side up.
My first discussion was memorable. My missionaries couldn't have been more opposite. Elder T was blonde haired, blue eyed, short in stature,  and very soft spoken. Elder B on the other hand, had fiery red hair, tall, and an unforgettable laugh that could fill a room! They went over the basics and then at the end of our discussion I was asked to say the closing prayer. It was my first time ever saying a prayer aloud. After three discussions my baptism was set for December 10th, 2005. I was 20 years old.

Elder B // Me // Elder T

The days leading up to my baptism were intense. I began having nightmares of the adversary. He was working overtime to keep me in his grasp. I could feel the struggle between he and my Savior over me. Call me crazy, but I could literally feel it. Not only could I feel it, but the battles were vivid in my dreams. This would happen again before I went through the Temple. 

The morning of my baptism nothing seemed to be going right. I was in a rotten mood to top it off. Kyle's bishop was out of town he needed his permission on paper to perform my baptism. Thank goodness he was able to get it an hour before. After I got out of school ( I was still in cosmetology school at the time) I rushed home to get ready. Kyle and his Father were no where to be found. My baptism was at 5pm and it wasn't until 4:30 pm rolled around that I finally heard from Kyle. He and his father had gone to the movies! Ha ha typical LaRose! 
I was extremely nervous. My stomach was filled with butterflies and knots. Despite all the emotions that were running through me, I was able to stop and marvel at how beautiful I felt dressed in white. In staying true to myself, I was not going to be baptized in a jumper. I wanted a dress. When we all arrived at the church we realized that Kyle didn't have white clothes so one of my sweet missionaries went out to find him some. He looked amazing. It was more than just seeing myself in white. It was also him and his journey. His preparation to be worthy to take me down into the baptismal font and exercise his rights to the priesthood. We had both made it that day. 

My Ward Missionaries 

Watching my family and friends show up one by one in support of my decision was a feeling I'll never forget. Whether or not they believed it themselves, they were there because they loved me. Kyle and I walked in together and all eyes were on us. Next to my baptism, my favorite moment was when my Father got up to say the opening prayer. I had never heard my father pray. As you read before, he is not a religious man and has no desire to be. He did it for me and that was one of the best gifts he could have given me. Unconditional love. 

My Father and I 

My best friend Jillian gave the talk on baptism, The Elders spoke, my sister-in-law Camille sang "He'll Carry You" by Hilary Weeks, my other sister-in-law Trinity gave a talk on the Spirit, and I said the closing prayer. 
Walking down the stairs into the font my legs began to turn to jello. That focus was quickly redirected as I turned the corner and saw Kyle standing there. I immediately felt peace. There were plenty of people in the room but for that moment it felt like it was only him and me. We got into position and I looked up at him for reassurance and he held onto me with a gentleness I'll never forget. He then raised his right hand and flawlessly said the baptismal prayer. As he lowered me down into the warmth of the water everything went completely white. I felt a comfort and an ultimate peace. I could physically feel my sins being washed away. I was pure, spotless, and worthy. 

When he pulled me out of the water I was disoriented. I didn't know where I was. They ushered me out of the font where Jill was waiting for me with a towel. She wrapped me in it and I began to sob. I was completely overcome by emotions. I pulled myself together and returned to join everyone. When the time came for me to say the closing prayer I felt the words pouring out of my heart. There was no way I was making it through that prayer without wet cheeks. And I didn't.


I am grateful for my memories of that day. I am eternally grateful for my Heavenly Father that brought two wandering sheep back together so they could find their way home. Missions are important. The Gospel needs to be shared. If you ever find your son or daughter in a place where he or she does not go on one, do not be upset. Heavenly Father works in ways we sometimes do not understand. Kyle's mission was not in another country, state, or directed on a piece of paper. He served his mission valiantly when converted me. His work was here. Although his baptism number isn't as high as a full time missionary, that single digit number was just as important. It has saved two souls and allowed 3 beautiful children to be born under the covenant. I love my missionary. This isn't meant to lessen the importance of Missionaries, it just bothers me that there is some what of a stigma that if a boy didn't go on a mission, you could do better. A good man is a good man, Mission or not.

I am thankful for Joseph Smith who had the courage to find the truth in the midst of confusion. Having been a searcher myself, I identify with him more than most. I know what he was feeling.

I am thankful for all of the influences involving the church . Good and bad. Even though I had exposure to the church much earlier, it was not the right timing. As upsetting as it was when I wasn't offered missionary discussions, it wasn't the right time. Our Father in Heaven sure is a meticulous one. Looking back I can marvel at all the events that took place in my life preparing me for my time. It truly is a magnificent piece of work. Do I wish I would have had the Gospel and the Holy Ghost to guide me throughout my teenage years? Of course! But then again I have lived and seen much. I feel it a blessing to have been on both sides of the fence. It has given me a compassion that only comes with having been there. I can say to my children, I have been there. I feel like I endured what I did so they wouldn't have to and I am 100% okay with baring that burden. 

No matter what your religion, the most important thing is that you find your way back to God and accept Christ into your life. Being a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints allows me to be the best version of myself. It gives me boundaries that I , on my own, would not be able to uphold. I believe that whatever faith you are, it should give you those qualities . It gives me a soft place to land when I struggle. And I do. My goal is the same as yours. To be a woman of Christ. We all have a path so tailored to us it is unreal. This just happened to be mine. 

Getting our Endowments

December 15th, 2006

Not only is this month my baptismal anniversary, but it is also my wedding anniversary and this hunk's birthday. Happy Birthday and Anniversary babe. Forever and Ever.

XoXo,

Sheena

For more information on 
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints
 please visit 
www.lds.org

Baby T Moccs heart & SOLE!

Our #1 favorite footwear for our littles would have to be BabyTMoccs.  We have talked about them before on our blog, this time we are testing out their new rubber sole.   Ava has pretty much exclusively worn her platinum moccs seen here since March and they have held up perfectly with a lot of love on the soles.  As Ava started walking everywhere, I decided it's time for the sole.  We took them straight to Disneyland and she loved them.  Moccs help little growing feet bend and move in the shoe.  Ava is a tippy toe walker and she can still do that with the rubber sole.  I have never found anything that stays on her little feet better and the elastic helps hold the shoe on without being too tight. 

 Overall I would suggest adding the sole if your little is a walker or if they play outside a lot.  It's a $10 add on, but I think it will extend the life of your babe's moccs.  Ava's newest pair are gunmetal and to-die-for.  I'm also loving BBT's newest fun stripes, skulls, and flowers.  I love buying local and these shoes are made right here in Utah.  The quality is unreal and they are super soft.  
Check out their website here and I guarantee you won't be disappointed!

Pink Pea Coat from Ted Baker's Spring Line

Silver Sparkle Leggings from Carters

Moccs in Gun Metal from BBTMoccs

XoXo,

 Jamie

Halloween!

We love Halloween!  I would dare say Sheena is one of the most creative gals I've ever met.  She can whip costumes together like nobody's business.  The last 2 years I have purchased them for my sweet girl, but I have something up my sleeve for next year.  Just you wait.  Sheena's awesome outfits come from Lego movie and Ava is of course Miss Alice.  I love love love how she made up her "unikitty" for Ari.  That's talent.  

We hope you all have a happy and safe Halloween!  


XOxo,
Jamie & Sheena

Ava in Wonderland

Hudson as Lego Batman

Ari as Lego Unikitty

A Temple Fit for a King

Whether or not it is the first time, another time, or the last time you will attend an LDS Temple, it is definitely a trip worth making. The Ogden Temple is truly a masterpiece. A Temple fit for a King.  I love the fact that our church allows to de-mystify the Temple and let anyone who want to see welcome inside before the dedication. So come! Come see what us crazy Mormons are doing inside these super secret walls! ha ha… Although sacred, it is not secret people. 

We took our kids to see it yesterday and I was reminded why there is an age requirement to attend Temple sessions. Listen- don't get me wrong, I am 1000% happy to see my entire family in the Temple for the first time. That was amazing. But that was hard. Let's just say that hudson decided to make himself at home right inside the President's office. Pretty much doing all but licking the stain glass windows.  However I heard through the grapevine that a child had gotten a bloody nose in the celestial room so I left with the great attitude of "It could have been worse". If you haven't heard about the Celestial room, it basically is a room made up of beautiful crystal chandeliers, white carpet, white everything really, and pretty glass adornments that are similar to a bull seeing red for children. 

Beautiful doesn't even begin to describe it. Heavenly is more like it. 

We parked out car and made out way to the Tabernacle, which has also been redone. After waiting in a short line we were ushered into a room where we watched a 10min video on the history of Temples and some commentary from The Quorum. (Church Leaders)

After that it was time to see the temple. The boys immediately noticed Angel Moroni. (The gold statue that tops LDS temples) The tour allows the public to take a look into where Baptisms for the Dead are performed, Temple Sealings, Inititory Rooms, Offices, Endowments, and all the details that went into making the Temple a place of true beauty and peace. I fell in love with all the artwork that lined the walls. The pictures of Christ had a way of making you feel right at home. The whole tour from start to finish took about an hour. 

Even though it was hard for my littles to understand the "no touching" concept, I am so glad that they got to walk through hand in hand with their Father and I. I can only imagine after our time on Earth is finished that our family with be joined once again in a place of such beauty. A place fit for Kings and Queens. 

To reserve tickets to view the Temple Open House go HERE

(If you don't have reservations you can still go! They have a stand by line that doesn't take long. Just make sure you try to be there earlier in the day because security shuts the doors at 8:15 sharp!)

If you aren't able to attend you can view pictures of the inside of the Temple HERE

To learn more about the LDS faith go HERE

XoXo-

Sheena